ACADEMY PLAYERS' REACTION: SHEFFIELD UNITED

CALLUM Hawkins may not have celebrated his birthday with a victory at Bramall Lane, but he did enjoy facing Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup third round, despite the result.

Burton had much the better of the first-half, but two second-half strikes handed victory to the hosts.

Hawkins, who has been playing regularly for Gresley FC during a loan spell this season, captained the Brewers at Bramall Lane, a game which took place on his birthday. The goalkeeper is a boyhood Sheffield Wednesday supporter, which made the match against Sheffield United even more special for him.

He said: “It (captaining the side at Bramall Lane on his birthday) was good, they are one of my childhood rivals and I really enjoyed it. It was a good performance from the lads, it was a team performance and we showed good chemistry, we played well and we are happy with that.

“Both goals were great finishes, right in the side netting, so you can’t really do much about that but we will move on as a group and hope to do better next time.

“It is a great experience, Sheffield United are a club with unbelievable stature. It was great to see so many friends and family here and to see all the support.”

Teammate Luke Tandy felt that the Brewers had started the game well but did not capitalise their chances. However, the defender said that the experience was an enjoyable one for the team.

“I thought that we started well in the first half, and on another night a couple of our chances could have gone in. We failed to build on that good start in the second-half. The first goal would have been key for us but unfortunately Sheffield United got one and then they’ve scores another not long after to make it 2-0.

“After that, we were chasing the game and that put us under pressure, but we have to move on as a team, build and progress.

“I love playing for this club, alongside school, I am really enjoying it, we have all really enjoyed playing at Bramall Lane, it was a really enjoyable experience.”